"I've been taking Banjo lessons with Michael for 5 months. I am an adult with absolutely no experience with any string instrument. Michael has taught me

the basic roll patterns and techniques such as pull offs, hammer downs and slides and I can play several songs. I never thought that would be possible! Banjo is much harder than I imagined, but I can do it thanks to the encouragement and instruction from Michael! We are working through the book "I Can Teach Myself Banjo".....but I couldn't do it without Michael. Even my husband comments on how much better I am getting. Michael does demand excellence....I can't roll past a mistake, he always hears it and has me try again! He is super patient and we laugh alot! I look forward to my lessons every week and love to practice my new skills."

...

Dallas, TX teacher:
Michael E.

Review by Isaiah

"Once I figured out the technicalities, everything went well. My son gave me a thumbs up when I asked how he liked it."

Dallas, TX teacher:
Carl W.

Review by Abby,

"We've loved having Christabel work with the kids. She is patient and encouraging and deals with each of their individual abilities perfectly."

Dallas, TX teacher:
christabel W.

Review by Allyson

"She is awesome"

Dallas, TX teacher:
Melody S.

Review by Leah

"My daughter took piano with Cheryl for about 3 years. She is a wonderful teacher and was great with my daughter. My daughter had so much fun during her

lessons. Very understanding also if we had to cancel last minute. I would highly recommend her!"

...

Dallas, TX teacher:
Cheryl (Cher) O.

Review by Angela

"Very kind talented teacher

We are so happy to have found Lisa! She's sweet, always prepared and really listens to Chloe and what she wants to do. She is

very talented and Chloe can't wait to go back each week for her next lesson.

After over a year of struggling finding the right voice teacher, I think we finally have!"

About Jerry W.

About Jerry

Jerry W. holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from Oklahoma Baptist University, as well as a Master of Music Pedagogy and Performance from Oklahoma State University. He is a published research assistant as well as the author of 6 books on sight reading. He is also the inventor of the game "guitar bingo." He cites Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Paul Gilbert, Bill Lafleur, Alex Machacek and Monte Montgomery to be among his most powerful influences.

Lesson format is as follows: First, a short drill of fundamentals (this can include scales, arpeggios, exercises, etc.). Second, a short segment of reading. Third, the study of a piece of music (usually in the favored style chosen by the student). This third section of the lesson is very important as the focus is on the practical application of the fundamentals previ

ously studied. Fourth, a short segment involving improvisation (again, typically in the style of music chosen by the student).

...

Reviews

Allen F. April 4, 2017·Guitar·In home

Excellent

Dean January 16, 2017·Guitar·In home

Great lesson, totally fun and informative

Yanem M. October 12, 2016·Guitar·In home

Jerry is not only a phenomenal instructor, but also a great coach, which is what you have to be in order to keep an 8 year old engaged. My son is very much engaged and enjoying the lessons. Thank you Jerry!

View Details

Jerry W.

View Profile

Jerry W.

Dallas, TX 75287

(10)

starting at

$44
/ 30-min

About Marilyn S.

About Marilyn

Music Job History: My music teaching/playing background includes: private piano instructor at home studio, elementary music teacher in Lewisville ISD and Odessa Public Schools, piano accompanist for middle school/high school band Solo Contests, and former church accompanist for Methodist churches. I accompany both Lakeview and Griffin choirs throughout the school year.Was Elementary Principal at Owen Elementary, The Colony, Lewisville ISDPersonal Information: Have 3 children, now ages 26, 27, and 29Love gardening, reading, playing piano, ringing handbells.

I believe performing is an important part of music learning, so I schedule at least 2 recitals each year. Some of my adults prefer not to perform and that is okay too. I am a member of Carrollton Music Teachers Association and through this association are festival opp

ortunities 4 times a year for those students who are ready to play for a judge!. The more you perform, the easier it gets!

*** Lesson Details ***I believe that most people would say that they wish they could play the piano. Taking piano lessons keeps you practicing and working on improving your skills. I can always help a student to play better in some aspect of their playing. I break down skills into as small a step as needed so the student can understand what needs to be done. Reading music is similar to reading words, so sometimes the problem is not with the fingers being able to play, but what the student is seeing. I can take whatever series you are currently playing out of and move forward with you from that series.Rhythm can often be a problem when playing and that usually is just a matter of getting that rhythm into your vocabulary and really hearing how it goes. Fingering is another area that can be the reason that a passage is not working for you and I can help you figure those areas out. I always try to correct and help you improve by using humor and positive reinforcement. I have several books that work on technique in fun, short exercises that will apply to any songs or literature that you are working on. We will spend some of every lesson sight reading (looking at music that you will practice at home). Improving your ability to read music at sight will make your piano playing more enjoyable for you.

As with any lessons, the more you practice, the more progress and fun you will have! Every student needs a spiral notebook that we will use to keep track of your lessons. I have found it best if I buy the books you need and then you pay me for the books - that keeps you from having to search at a music store for the correct books and I make sure you have the correct book/levels. If you prefer to find the books yourself, that will be fine also. I am flexible and want your piano playing years to be lifelong for you.

*** Specialties ****Teachersmarked as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons andhave received the highest feedback rating from students.Piano, Handbells, Music Theory, Sight readingI can teach from any series, have tended to specialize more with beginning and intermediate students. I have taught from almost every series over the years. Right now I have students in Faber & Faber, Bastien, John Thompson, Schaum, David Carr Glover, Hal Leonard, FJH, Dozen a Day, and Alfred series. I think that breaking skills down into small steps works well for mastery and understanding. I like to expand my students' appreciation of different types of music, from classical to pop, looking for music that is at the student's playing level.

...

Reviews

Noah B. July 13, 2016·Piano·In studio

Great 1st lesson. My son is excited for the next one.

Amy May 12, 2016·Piano·In home

Love working with Marilyn!!!

Quinn A. February 4, 2016·Piano·In home

Based on what I saw today, it's clear my son will be playing incredible pieces of music before he leaves elementary school.

View Details

Marilyn S.

View Profile

Marilyn S.

The Colony, TX 75056

(11)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About TOYA N.

About TOYA

I have taught acting to small children, teens, and adults in community, private, and collegiate settings. I taught acting at the legendary Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in New York City. My love of the arts has enabled me to study and perform in various cities throughout the US; including Los Angeles, where I studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, to Europe, Mexico, South America; then back to New York City, where I earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from the prestigious Actors Studio Drama School.

I currently work professionally as an actor, singer, and TV and radio host. I've been fortunate enough to work in film, TV, theater, musical theater, hosting, commercials, improv, and voice-overs. I am also a vocally trained mezzo-soprano. Because I am still a working artist, I can not only teach you craft

, but can assist you in making the right choices to navigate your own way in the business. I offer private coaching to actors in theater and film, and singers in the US and abroad. I would love to share my knowledge and experience with you.

*** Lesson Details ***I offer private coaching to children, teens, adults who have an interest in acting or singing performance, and for those who simply have an interest in performing or speaking in front of others. In addition to coaching those who wish to better their skills in acting, voice and speech, and singing, I also offer coaching for non-actors; i.e., attorneys, business professionals, teachers, politicians, pageant participants, and other creatives, who want to improve their public speaking and communication skills.

Reviews

Toya was great. She really connected with our daughter and motivated her to give it her all. Toya rocks!

Kelly August 12, 2017·Audition Prep·In studio

I love Toya she is great, she pushes me to new levels and makes me think wich is great. She is so knowledgeable and is ready to share that knowledge with her clients

Haley G. May 9, 2017·Child Acting·In studio

My daughter has learned so much from Toya since she started getting lessons from her. She is pretty flexible if you have to reschedule she's willing to work with you and your schedule as well as her own. My daughter has nothing but good to say about Toya and the fun she has with her all while learning too. She really enjoys her acting lessons and loves Toya.

View Details

TOYA N.

View Profile

TOYA N.

Dallas, TX 75244

(13)

starting at

$59
/ 30-min

About Riley W.

About Riley

Since 1985, Riley has been one of the nation's premier guitar and bass teachers. He's been a working professional guitarist/singer since 1972, teaching since 1985 and a writer since 1987. You're read his work in "Electronic Musician," "Gig," "Guitar World," "Guitar School," "Real to Reel" and "Vintage Guitar" magazines, where he wrote the popular "Gigmeister column for 12 years! He's the author and publisher of "Guitar Made Simpler- An Intelligent Approach, a new book that applies the GIT approach to beginner guitar pedagogy. Past and present students include George Bond (Lakewood Rats, Mirror Image), Mark Keith and Michael Wooten (BlackWatch), Alan Tyler (Tarnished), Tad Walters (Bob Margolin, solo artist) Michael Moore and many others. Today, he still maintains a busy teaching schedule at his state of the art home studio in North Texas

Due to his gigging schedule, regular student lessons are occasionally rescheduled for in the field "research" in the form of live shows. Unlike college professors, this "research" is used to rigorously test information in the "line of fire." This means students learn the latest techniques that work under real world conditions.

Don't settle for mediocre! If you're been looking for the best in learning guitar or bass, contact TakeLessons now!

...

Reviews

Sharla May 20, 2016·Acoustic Guitar·In studio

Event after more than 13 years of guitar instruction with Riley, there is always a new technique or song structure lesson to learn. He knows an incredible amount about music, performance, and (to be honest) living a good life. He is an inspiration to me both musically and personally, and his enthusiasm for both is unmatched.

Eric May 19, 2016·Guitar·In studio

In my opinion, I have very little natural talent for music. I hadn't played an instrument with any proficiency in the past. Well, I had played air guitar and guitar hero before, but neither of them really prepared me for actually playing a guitar. Sometimes I'd sing in the safety of my commute to work, but that's about it.

Riley helped me pick a guitar, gave me a book, and play along recordings. He had me playing classic chords in about two lessons. I can now read guitar music and have come up with some of my own tunes. I wasnt a very good student at first, but I showed up for my lessons. Just that took me a long way until I actually wanted to practice and really started to enjoy my guitar.

I was missing something in my life - all I did was work, eat, and sleep. I hadn't considered music as an outlet. My wife just signed me up one night and then told me I was going to learn something new. I was kind of mad at her at first (and hence my resistance to practicing), but I'm really glad she did that for me - and I thank her every time I play guitar.

Riley is great - he has a ton of patience with me. Considering that he went to one of the best guitar schools in the country (MIT/GIT), and can pretty much play wherever he wants, this really shows how much he loves to teach. Riley can play the obscure tune, pop, metal, classical guitar (he's got me on Beethoven now), and he even played yngvei with serious proficiency. The man has mastered the guitar and wants to teach. He is a working musician, and has had gigs every week that I've known him. He understands the music business, so he can give sound advice if you want a music career. So far as lessons go, it's just a matter of practicing what he tells you. There is no guitar, amp, or pick that can make you sound better. But Riley can.

I wish I (or my wife) had signed me up a long time ago. Best money I spend each month. Anyway, I better get back to practicing.

Evan May 19, 2016·Guitar·In home

Riley is an amazing teacher. There is always a plan and a way forward to reach your goals. I highly recommend Riley, been taking lessons with him for years.

View Details

Riley W.

View Profile

Riley W.

Frisco, TX 75035

(4)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About christabel W.

About christabel

Hi, My name is Christabel W. and I can’t wait to meet you! I am a responsible and creative teacher with years of teaching experiences. My major was piano and graduated with the Certificate of Completion Music Field of Study. I enjoy working with young children as well as adults and teaching all ages (kindergarten-adults) and all levels (beginner-advanced) students. Due to a member of Plano Music Teacher Association (PMTA) and a Certified member of Music Teachers National Association, I will provide the opportunity for my students to participate PMTA’s Piano Festival and States Theory Test (1-12 level).

My goal is to let students have fun with music and to find melodies that mean something to play. I will provide quality individualized lesson plans to my students while they learn the music they also learn the music theory, sight reading

, and ear training. In Addition, I was studying with Dr. Allison and attended Sheila Paige's Keyboard Wellness Seminar, I will use Keyboard Wellness method to teach my students how cooperate the body, arm, hand, and finger moving together to make the playing so easily, efficiently, and music artistry.

I speak English and Chinese.

...

Reviews

Seth January 29, 2017·Piano·In home

Christabel was pleasant and knew just how to handle my 8-year old beginner. He is eager to return for his next lesson.

Nava H. January 15, 2017·Piano·In home

Christabel is awesome. My daughter enjoyed her class.

Rong L. November 28, 2016·Piano·In studio

Christabel is very patient and really cares about students. My 5 yrs old twin boys really like her.

View Details

christabel W.

View Profile

christabel W.

Frisco, TX 75035

(10)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

View More

View Previous

About Haiyang W.

About Haiyang

Haiyang Wang started learning musical instruments at age four. He began playing the flute at age eight and have won competitions from local to international levels including the 1st prize of the Second Asian Youth Music Competition in 2004. He studied at Shenyang Conservatory of Music as a flute performance major since his middle and high school years and had his first solo recital at age sixteen. Haiyang relocated to the US at age eighteen and continued his study in music. He is currently studying at University of North Texas, and his teachers include Prof. Terri Sundberg, Dr. James Scott, and Dr. Lee Lattimore.

...

View Details

Haiyang W.

View Profile

Haiyang W.

Dallas, TX 75287

starting at

$20
/ 30-min

About Nolen S.

About Nolen

Hi! My name is Nolen Smith! I've been playing guitar since I was in 8th grade and have a strong passion for music and people. I lead worship at my hometown church, and am currently pursuing a degree in worship leadership. I value the enjoyment aspect of learning an instrument and one's own personal music expression. I want to help bring out the creative side in others so that they can discover their own passion for guitar.

...

View Details

Nolen S.

View Profile

Nolen S.

Richardson, TX 75081

starting at

$20
/ 30-min

About Miguel M.

About Miguel

I received my Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Sam Houston State University in May of 2016, where I spent five years studying clarinet pedagogy, improving my individual ensemble and musicianship skills, and learning how to be a music educator.

I teach students of all ages, and I've taught middle and high school students, beginning and intermediate students. Every student learns at a different rate, in different ways, and I have a consistent, but flexible teaching style depending on the student. For beginners I use the Standards of Excellence book for developing tone, musicianship, and reading music. As for intermediate and advanced students, I have a variety of methods and exercises that I've gained during my time at SHSU.

During my time at SHSU, I was a member of both the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, as well as several s

mall chamber groups. I am also a member of the orchestra for Rockwall Summer Musicals, where I have been involved with three professional level productions.

I believe everyone deserves to be a part of the musical world, and my passion is introducing people and students of all ages into this world.

...

View Details

Miguel M.

View Profile

Miguel M.

Richardson, TX 75082

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About Shaunessy R.

About Shaunessy

Shaunessy began playing the violin when she was seven years old and has been studying under Ronald Neal, founder of the Dallas Chamber Orchestra and former student of Ivan Galamian. When in Germany, she studies under Dr. Peter Gries, the director of the Musikacademie in Kassel. At age 11, Shaunessy made her solo debut when performing with the Dallas Chamber Orchestra. Shaunessy has done solo and chamber master classes with Ralph Fielding (Lynn University), Julia Bushkova (University of North Texas), and Arkady Fomin (Dallas Symphony Orchestra). She played in the New Conservatory of Dallas for six years and was the Associate Concertmaster of its top orchestra which performed at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. Ms. R attended the North Texas School of Irish Music for two years and has recorded a CD with them. She has been w

ith the Dallas Millennial Orchestra since 2013 and participated in the orchestra tour and CD recordings across the U.S. In the past five years, Shaunessy has attended the Music in the Mountains summer program in Durango, Colorado and the acclaimed Meadowmount School of Music in upstate New York. She has also been a top prize winner at the Dallas Symphonic Festival, Texas MTNA Competition, and Collin County Young Artist Competition. In addition, Shaunessy is the founder of Brighter Future for Kids music program, a community outreach for underprivileged kids for which she provides free instruments, teaches them weekly lessons and organizes recitals for them in the McKinney, TX area. She created a website to provide students with a guide to become a successful violinist. Besides classical music, Shaunessy also likes to explore other genres like Jazz, Pop, and Irish fiddling.

...

Reviews

Julio October 8, 2017·Violin·In studio

A great and wonderful teacher , loves and understands kids. She has also lots of learning resources for them. I thank her too much for teaching my girl.

CAROLINA September 25, 2017·Violin·In studio

It is amazing that such a young person has so many qualities together: talent, knowledge, patience and a great heart. She works very hard and deserves the best . My family is very lucky to have met her.

Recent Music Articlesfrom the Blog

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro,
check out the Music articles on our blog.

There is one question that gets asked above all the rest, one thing that everyone wants to know: can I still learn to sing at 20, 30, 40... and even beyond that?
At 24, is a professional singing career out of reach? Can you get as famous as Lady Gaga, or any other famous singer? For the hobbyists out there, is it even worth taking lessons at 52 years old... if you've always self-proclaimed yourself as "tone deaf"? Read on as voice teacher Douglas W. answers the commonly asked question.
Am …
Read More

Am I Too Old to Learn to Sing? A Voice Teacher's Advice

There is one question that gets asked above all the rest, one thing that everyone wants to know: can I still learn to sing at 20, 30, 40... and even beyond that?
At 24, is a professional singing career out of reach? Can you get as famous as Lady Gaga, or any other famous singer? For the hobbyists out there, is it even worth taking lessons at 52 years old... if you've always self-proclaimed yourself as "tone deaf"? Read on as voice teacher Douglas W. answers the commonly asked question.
Am

Too Many Piano Key Neckties and 14 More Problems Only Pianists Understand

No matter how much you love playing the piano, it can also drive you crazy! Can you relate to these common piano problems?
1. When you're practicing and you need to turn the page.
Someone please invent a way to turn the page without having to stop playing! Luckily, if you own an iPad, a music app like forScore can help organize your music and turn the pages while you play.
2. When your fingers won't listen to you.
Sometimes you know in your head exactly what you need to do to

Learn 8 Easy Piano Songs With These YouTube Tutorials

No matter what kind of music you're interested in -- be it rock, pop, jazz, heavy metal, or anything else -- there are certain famous songs and melodies out there that you will instantly recognize. Even if you can't immediately name the composer, those first few notes will catch your ear.
You may have heard it at a wedding, in a plot-twisting movie scene, in a commercial on TV, or you may even hear hints of it hidden within contemporary songs (including Dave Matthews and Weezer songs!). A

As you search for local piano teachers, you might notice some teachers listing specific teaching methods on their TakeLessons profile. Here, St. Augustine, FL piano teacher Heather L. explains what each really means...
&nbsp;
Over the length of its history, American piano pedagogy has changed dramatically. In its earliest days, when families and communities braved the broad frontier of our continent, music was written on animal hides and skins. Only families who were wealthy enough t

3 Tips and Tricks to Learning Ukulele Chords

Having trouble learning chords on the ukulele? Here are some tips from ukulele teacher Willy M. that will help you master playing chords...
Sometimes chords can be tricky to learn on any stringed instrument, and the ukulele is no exception. The good news is that with its nylon strings, a fewer number of strings, and a limited fret-board, learning ukulele chords is a little bit simpler than learning guitar chords.
Nonetheless, there are still a few important things to keep in mind when